Antonio Conte’s former assistant Angelo Alessio believes Davide Zappacosta would be well within his rights in demanding an exit from Chelsea this month.
Zappacosta has remained a bit-part player under Maurizio Sarri, who has not been keen to tinker around with his defence in the Premier League this season.
The Italian wants to leave Chelsea in search of regular football and Lazio are interested in signing the former Torino defender during the transfer window.
However, an agreement between the two clubs seems far off as Chelsea and Lazio have continued to disagree on the key tenets of the proposed deal for Zappacosta.
Alessio, who worked under Conte at Siena, Juventus and Chelsea, believes if Zappacosta wants to play regular football he needs to leave Stamford Bridge this month.
He is keen to see the two clubs work out a deal for the sake of the player, who is not getting adequate opportunities at Chelsea.
Alessio told Italian outlet La Lazio Siamo Noi: “If he wants to play regularly it is right for him to ask Chelsea to let him go.
“There is little space there for him and they are not guaranteeing him a starting position.
“I think he wants to leave and play and clearly the clubs have to deal with the financial aspect of the deal.”
Zappacosta has played just 18 minutes of Premier League football this season.
